God-Centered Education

--by Heather Ross

God is the great Original, the One from Whom all math, science, music, language, history, and every other subject emanates. To praise God as Christian educators, it is vital that we glorify Him and learn to see Him reflected in each subject we teach. As we plan our lessons, let us be motivated to show God to our students. As we review, let us ask our students what they have learned about God as a result of that day's class. As we read the Word of God, let us pay special attention to investigating our matchless Creator. These gleanings will assist us in our comprehension of His attributes and bring us into a closer relationship with the One in Whom we live and move and have our being.

Too often education fails to bring individuals closer to God and, conversely, feeds a sort of intellectual pride that does anything but humble us before the Almighty. Yet we read in the pages of Scripture, "A humble and contrite heart, Thou wilt not despise." And again, "Knowledge puffeth up, but love [builds up]."

I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. I loved the academic environment, the competitive atmosphere, the excitement that came from learning knew things, and the people who were my teachers. From Kindergarten through graduate school, I have greatly benefited from Christian education. The last decade I have been an educator in a Christian school, and at long last, my veiled heart has been illuminated to perceive the frequency with which I have failed to invite Wisdom into every classroom setting and honor Him for every bit of understanding He gives.

Whether the discussion be from Macbeth or World War II, eyes of faith can perceive His truths at work. Possessing such an eternal vision can propel me to share with my students the glorious truths of our wondrous Creator. As I anticipate a school year ahead, my heart reverberates to the chords of the following Charles Wesley hymn:

O for a heart to praise my God,

A heart from sin set free,

A heart that always feels Thy blood

So freely shed for me.

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,

My great Redeemer’s throne,

Where only Christ is heard to speak,

Where Jesus reigns alone.

A humble, lowly, contrite, heart,

Believing, true and clean,

Which neither life nor death can part

From Christ who dwells within.

A heart in every thought renewed

And full of love divine,

Perfect and right and pure and good,

A copy, Lord, of Thine.

Thy tender heart is still the same,

And melts at human woe:

Jesus, for thee distressed I am,

I want Thy love to know.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;

Come quickly from above;

Write Thy new name upon my heart,

Thy new, best name of Love.

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